Regeneration Before Saving Faith, After, or Simultaneous?

Dr. Couch, does regeneration come before saving faith, after, or is it simultaneous? 

 

    ANSWER:  This is an old debate that I am not sure we can all solve. Since we are chosen for salvation from eternity past, the issue is moot as far as I am concerned. I "lean" however toward the fact that regeneration may come first. Because we are conscious beings, we will speak forth our faith in Christ, though sovereignly moved to do so by the Holy Spirit. In Titus 3:5-7 Paul mentions the order of salvation but does not address the issue of the words of trust and faith that will come out of our hearts and minds. 

    From the Greek text the passage could read:

He saved us, not on the basis of deed which we have done by righteousness, but according to His mercy by means of the washing that takes place by the "again birth" (palingenesia) even the "again newing, remaking" (anakainosis) done by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being legally acquitted by His grace we might be made heirs according to the anticipation of eternal life.

    Thanks for asking.

    Dr. Mal Couch,